The University Science Specialties Quiz

It's common knowledge that studying science can help you find career success, but how do you choose which field to major in? Take our quiz to see how much you know about the various scientific specialties and how they impact your career, future and paycheck!

"The Big Bang Theory" star earned her doctorate at the University of California, Los Angeles.

false

Question 11 of 30

How much does the average biochemist earn each year?

$64,940

$84,940

Biochemists, who study the chemistry and biology of living things, earn a median income of $84,940 annually.

$104,940

Question 12 of 30

What percentage of biology majors head straight to grad school in biology or a related field?

5 percent

15 percent

25 percent

One-fourth of bio majors head straight for a graduate degree in the same major. This might be due to the fact that many jobs in the field, particularly those involving research, require an advanced degree.

Question 13 of 30

What percentage of biology majors head to medical, dental or veterinary school after earning a bachelor's degree?

5 percent

25 percent

45 percent

Forty-five percent of biology undergrads head for either medical, dental or vet school upon graduation.

Question 14 of 30

What science specialty should you study if you are interested in seismic activity?

Before she was Phoebe, Lisa Kudrow earned her degree in biology from Vassar College.

Question 16 of 30

What is aeronomy the study of?

geothermal activity

volcanic eruptions

Earth's atmosphere

Aeronomy, a branch of geophysics, is the study of Earth's atmosphere.

Question 17 of 30

Which of these majors should you study if you want to manage an orchard or greenhouse?

horticulture

Horticulture covers the production and physiology of plants, making it the perfect field of study for future growers.

histology

microbiology

Question 18 of 30

What do optical scientists study?

the sun

vision

light

Optical science is the study of light and may include things like telescopes, optical fibers and imaging.

Question 19 of 30

Which of these eye specialists is licensed to perform surgery on the eyes?

ophthalmologist

An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who is licensed to perform surgery on the eyes. He must follow the same path to certification as a doctor, focusing on the health of the eyes rather than the entire body, of course.

optometrist

optician

Question 20 of 30

What do entomologists study?

plants

insects

Entomology is the study of insects and a popular college major for those who love creepy-crawlies.

bacteria

Question 21 of 30

Where do most food science majors find work after graduation?

research

teaching

manufacturing

Forty-five percent of food scientists work in food manufacturing, while another 12 percent are researchers.

Question 22 of 30

How much do food scientists make per year?

$61,480

Food scientists earn a median income of $61,480 per year, higher than other agricultural science fields like soil or animal science.

$49,480

$37,480

Question 23 of 30

Where do most zoologists find work?

state government

Around a third of zoology majors work for state governments, and another 21 percent works for the federal government.

private zoos

animal sanctuaries

Question 24 of 30

How much do zoologists make annually?

$38,270

$48,270

$58,270

Animal lovers who major in zoology or wildlife biology can expect a median income of $58,270 per year.

Question 25 of 30

True or false: Queen guitarist Brian May holds a doctorate in astrophysics.

true

May is not only a legendary rocker but also a real-life rocket scientist with a degree in astrophysics.

false

Question 26 of 30

What percentage of all undergrad degrees are in math or science?

3 percent

8 percent

Less than 8 percent of all undergrad degrees in the U.S. are awarded in math or science. Business, English and social sciences are the most popular degrees among undergrads.

15 percent

Question 27 of 30

True or false: Even a bachelor's degree in biology will earn you a higher average starting salary than someone with a non-science degree.

true

false

People with a bachelor's degree in biology earn less than those who major in English, social sciences or psychology in terms of starting salary.

Question 28 of 30

What do agronomy students study?

the stars

plants and soil

Agronomy is the study of plants and soil. Students in this field learn to develop more successful and sustainable planting and farming techniques.

animal breeding

Question 29 of 30

How much does the average environmental science major earn in a year?

$37, 250

$44,250

$66,250

Environmental science majors can earn big bucks, with a median income of $66,250 each year.

Question 30 of 30

True or false: Ashton Kutcher was a biochemical engineering major before hitting it big in Hollywood.

true

He might play dim-witted characters, but Kutcher majored in biochemical engineering at the University of Iowa before moving on to acting.